The third quarter of 2016 continued to be marked by increased violence in different parts of Syria, resulting in further loss of civilian lives. The opposition-controlled areas of eastern Aleppo city have been cut from humanitarian assistance since 7 July. UNRWA estimates that close to 2,708 Palestine refugee families (around. 9,000 individuals) still reside in Aleppo city and 4,000 families (approx. 16,000 individuals) remain in Neirab camp. The escalation of violence in Khan Eshieh continued with heavy shelling hitting the camp on almost a daily base, claiming several civilian lives and destroying properties as well as a child friendly space. UNRWA remained unable to conduct any mission to Yalda due to security concerns. The operations to the area have been halted since 25 May 2016.
CASH ASSISTANCE:
The third round of cash assistance for 2016 began on 21 August and will continue until 15 November. To ensure maximum reach of beneficiaries, the cash distributions are now taking place through 45 banks and money transfer company outlets in Damascus area, Aleppo, Dera'a, Hama, Homs, Latakia, Qamishli and Swayda. By the end of September, 272,398 Palestine refugees (82,850 families) had received the equivalent of US$ 74 in Syria Pounds, covering a two-month allowance increased to US$ 37 per month. A verification exercise was launched simultaneously to enable the Agency to identify the number of beneficiaries remaining in Syria and improve the quality and coverage of data related to its humanitarian operations across the country.
FOOD AND NFI ASSISTANCE:
The third round of food assistance ran from 02 July till 30 September, benefiting a total of 426,681 Palestine refugees across Syria. 110,707 family food parcels were distributed to 106,943 families via 17 distribution centres in Damascus area, Aleppo, Dera'a, Hama, Homs, Latakia and Swayda. Beneficiaries received 117,381 blankets and 2,137 mattresses. 649 food parcels were also distributed to families residing in collective shelters, benefitting at least 2,596 individuals. In addition, 66,912 canned food, 33,573 kg of dry food items and 450 blankets have been delivered to collective shelters' residents.
SHELTER:
UNRWA currently hosts 2,530 Palestine refugees (816 families) in nine UNRWA and one non-UNRWA facilities in Damascus. These numbers have decreased since January 2016, when UNRWA accommodated 3,709 Palestine refugees (1,072 families) in 13 collective shelters, located in Damascus and Latakia. Shelter residents receive food, non-food items and WASH assistance on a regular basis.
HEALTH:
In this quarter, more than 210,273 heath consultations and 178,794 medicines were provided to Palestine refugee patients through the Agency's 15 health centres and 11 health points across Syria. 21,802 dental treatments were also provided in 12 health centres and three health points. The Agency maintains agreements with 23 hospitals throughout the country to give subsidized secondary care to Palestine refugees in Syria.
EDUCATION:
For this quarter, UNRWA organized its Summer Learning Programme (SLP), a central component of the Agency's Education in Emergencies (EiE) programme. A total of 10,499 students participated in a range of activities and classes in arts, music, sport, French, Arabic, English, and mathematics. A further 1,769 students were enrolled in catch-up classes. Summer learning classes took place in 32 schools, while 22 schools offered catch-up classes. Implementing the SLP is a critical intervention to ensure that children at risk of dropping out are provided with the necessary support before the beginning of the next academic year.
The new academic year in Syria started on 18 September with 44,597 students (22,271 boys and 22,326 girls) attending 101 schools across Syria, including 46 UNRWA schools and 55 UNRWA-managed schools in government buildings. The Agency provides free primary education to students from grade 1 to 9 further complemented by EiE activities.
WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE:
During the third quarter of 2016, UNRWA distributed 18,957 hygiene kits to Palestine refugees across Syria. The Agency also delivered 2,517 hygiene kits, 2,752 packs of baby diapers, 14,604 packs of adult diapers and 6,692 sanitary napkins to those residing in collective shelters. To mitigate the risks of diseases, the Agency continued to provide of regular garbage collection, rehabilitation of sewage systems infrastructure, equipment, spare parts and fuel to camps and host communities. It also ensured the delivery of safe drinking water to areas where access to water remains particularly difficult.
Date: November 2016
Sources: UNRWA
The boundaries shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations
Download Document Files: https://unispal.un.org/pdfs/SYRIAUNWRA_HUMSJULY-SEPT16.pdf
Document Type: Factsheet, Infographic
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Country: Syria
Subject: Armed conflict, Assistance, Education and culture, Food, Health, Humanitarian relief, Internally displaced persons, Middle East situation, Poverty, Refugee camps, Refugees and displaced persons, Shelter, Water
Publication Date: 30/09/2016